East Asian teaching methods improve British pupils maths skills
The study evaluated 90 English primary schools and 50 secondaries where it was taught to more than 10,000 pupils in Year 1 (aged five-six) and Year 7 (11-12). After a year children’s maths test scores improved slightly. The programme differs from the mathematics curriculum in England as it covers fewer topic in greater depth and is designed to have a cumulative effect, with the full benefit evident after five years.
The study’s lead author John Jerrim of the UCL Institute of Education said: “Maths mastery shouldn’t be seen as a silver bullet; there is no escaping that the effect of the programme was relatively small, though welcome. Yet, given the low cost per pupil, it may nevertheless be a programme worth pursuing.
A spokesperson for the Department for Education said: “Ensuring every young person leaves school with good maths and numeracy skills is a key part of our commitment to delivering real social justice. We are pleased this research confirms that adopting a Singaporean ‘mastery’ approach to teaching will help us to achieve this.”
Latest News
15/01/2026 - 10:16
The Scottish Government is increasing investment in its free after school activities programme so that it reaches more children.
15/01/2026 - 09:52
The campaign aims to tackle the worrying decline in reading for pleasure, with reading rates among young people dropping to its lowest level since 2005,
14/01/2026 - 09:58
Almost half (46 per cent) of teachers across Europe do not think schools are equipping students with the skills needed for an AI future — a concern shared by two in five teachers in the UK (41 per cent).
13/01/2026 - 09:51
An additional £20 million of funding has been allocated to support essential capital repairs and maintenance across schools and colleges in Wales this year.
13/01/2026 - 09:45
Now in its 17th year, the Education Business Awards continue to recognise and celebrate the outstanding work, dedication, and achievements of schools and academies across the UK.
